Perfect conditions for Tauawhi No Violence Longboard Classic

POSE-OFF: George Zame, George Thorpe, Hamiora Gibson, Ian Procter, Summer Williams, Derek Phelps and Cruze Williams strike their best poses before taking part in the speedo and bikini heat during the Tauawhi No Violence Longboard Classic on Saturday. Picture by Don Pearson

THE conditions could not have been more perfect on the weekend for an annual longboard competition in support of domestic violence prevention.

The Tauawhi No Violence Longboard Classic, in its third year, played out on a sunny Saturday with clean, shoulder-high waves peeling across the beach at north Makorori.

The charitable competition supports the Tauawhi Charitable Trust, which backs the Tauawhi Men’s Centre in its mission to raise awareness about and prevent family violence in Tairawhiti.

Gisborne Boardriders Club and the Moananui Longboardriders Club (MLC) supported the kaupapa by organising the competition.

It was scheduled to run two weeks ago, but was postponed due to poor conditions.

GBC surfing development manager Kelly Ryan said it turned out to be a good call.

“We had some really fun waves all day.”

Forty surfers took part, with 24 surfers in the open division, including some of the district — and country’s — top longboarders putting on a master class.

Former national champion Daniel Procter claimed the open men’s division in a close final, beating Sam Johnson.

“We had a really good turnout, great waves and a really high standard of surfing,” Ryan said.

Long left-handersThe long left-handers, kept relatively clean by the cross-shore northerly wind, gave the surfers a perfect canvas to demonstrate their abilities, and there were standouts in each division.

Brie Ryan took out the under-16 division, after also competing in the open men’s division, showcasing his noseriding abilities.

MLC president Ian Procter, who competed in the over-60 and speedo divisions, said it was a great cause to get behind.

The day also included a couple of light-hearted events, the speedo and bikini longboard heat, and a speedo toss.

A crowd of 50 gathered on the beach to marvel at the brave competitors entering the temperate Pacific ocean wetsuit-free.

Hamiora Gibson made up for an early exit in the open men’s division by winning the coveted speedo and bikini prize with several super-long nose rides from out the back all of the way through to the inside.

Results: Open men: Daniel Procter, 14.0, 1; Sam Johnson, 13.0, 2; Adam Grimson, 9.5, 3; Jody Williams, 8.0, 4.

Open women: Gina Samson, 11.5, 1; Hannah Morley, 10.0, 2; Veronika Lambert, 6.5, 3; Summer Williams, 2.5, 4.

Over-60: Ronnie Amann, 14.0, 1; Ian Gall, 13.5, 2; Steve Johnson, 12.0, 3; Guy Midford, 5.0, 4.

Under-16: Brie Ryan, 15.5, 1; Hue Cowie, 9.0, 2; Cruze Williams, 7.0, 3; Ben Kassel, 6.0, 4.

Speedo and bikini: Hamiora Gibson, 14.0, 1; George Zame, 11.5, 2; Cruze Williams, 7.0, 3; George Thorpe, 6.5, 4.